A ROYAL day to remember is on the cards for a young Tavistock College student next week — he has been specially chosen to be presented to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on the first day of their historic nationwide Golden Jubilee tour.

Ross Symons, aged 12 of Yelverton, will be in the full glare of the media spotlight next Wednesday, when he presents the Queen with a specially commissioned book of apple pictures, painted and drawn by children from throughout the county.

The images represent the 76 species of apple trees which originate in Devon and which the county is giving to the Queen to create an orchard on the Sandringham Estate.

Ross will make the presentation to the Queen at the end of a reception at County Hall in Exeter, attended by 350 invited guests from all over Devon.

Ross drew a picture of an ice apple for the book project last term, but said he never dreamt it would lead to such an honour.

He said: 'I didn't think it would be in the book and when it was I thought "Wow!"

'Then when I went into school late one morning my friends said my tutor had something to tell me.

'She said I was going to meet the Queen and I said "Like, what?"!'

And Ross's mum Jacqueline said she and her husband Michael did not even believe Ross when he gave them the news.

Jacqueline said: 'He came home and said he'd been chosen to meet the Queen but we didn't take much notice. I thought it was a story.

'It wasn't until his teacher actually rang up and asked if it was alright that I took it in.

'It was a complete surprise, that's why I originally took it with a pinch of salt, but he's very excited about it — it's a big opportunity.'

John Simes, Tavistock College principal, said: 'We are obviously highly delighted and pleased for Ross.

'We are delighted that a student from our college has been chosen in this way — it's a great honour. I'm sure he's looking forward to it — it's going to be a great occasion and we share his excitement.'

Young people from across Devon will play a major part in welcoming the Queen to Exeter next Wednesday.

Impressions of Devon will feature in banners painted by schoolchildren and there will be performances by Devon Youth Dance, Devon Youth Theatre, Devon Youth Flute Ensemble, Devon Youth Jazz Ensemble and Devon Youth Orchestra at Exeter Cathedral.

Several students from West Devon will be involved in these performances.

The presentation of the book by Ross will be the culmination of the day, before the Queen and Prince Philip leave to board the royal train.

Tony Smith, Devon's director of education, arts and libraries, said: 'This is a marvellous privilege for our youngsters.

'They will be performing for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on the first day of their Golden Jubilee Tour, when the eyes of the nation will be upon them.

'It is a unique occasion on which to demonstrate the wealth and depth of talent that we have been able to nurture in Devon schools.'